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The latest Disney news, information and rumours. Find out what is currently going on with the Disney Company and what is in the Imagineering pipeline.enFri, 22 Feb 2019 14:36:06 GMTvBulletin30http://www.intercot.com/discussion/images/misc/rss.pnghttp://www.intercot.com/discussion/
New Play Pavilion Coming to Epcot as Part of Historic Multi-Year Transformation!http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?218205-New-Play-Pavilion-Coming-to-Epcot-as-Part-of-Historic-Multi-Year-Transformation!&goto=newpost
Thu, 21 Feb 2019 16:22:21 GMTNew Play Pavilion Coming to Epcot as Part ofTheme Park’s Historic Multi-Year Transformation

Innovative environment joins lineup of new and recently announced enhancements to the Walt Disney World Resort theme park

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Feb. 21, 2019) – Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort is a theme park overflowing with possibilities fueled by curiosity, wonder, optimism, belonging and human imagination. Through Disney magic, the park inspires guests to see the real world in more fantastic ways.

Today, Disney announced several new enhancements for Epcot, including a new play pavilion,a reimagined main entrance and an Experience Center showcasing the park’s future. These are the latest additions to a robust lineup of new projects already announced for the park.

“Epcot has always been, and always will be, an optimistic celebration of the real world that is brought to life through the magic of Disney,” said George A. Kalogridis, president, Walt Disney World Resort. “The exciting plans we have on the horizon will honor Epcot’s rich legacy of creativity and innovation while continuing to exceed the expectations of our guests for decades to come.”

The new pavilion in development will include first-of-their-kind experiences devoted to playful fun, inviting guests into an innovative, interactive city bursting with games and hands-on activities. Friends and family will interact with favorite Disney characters in an energetic metropolis unlike anything ever seen before at Epcot. The as-yet-unnamed space will come to life under the vast dome of the pavilion previously known as Wonders of Life (more recently the Festival Center) and will debut to guests in time for the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary.

“This innovative, new pavilion is beyond anything we’ve ever created and is completely unique to Epcot,” said Zach Riddley, portfolio executive, Walt Disney Imagineering. “Built on the power of play, it introduces an immersive and interactive ‘city’ where you can explore, create and interact with some of your favorite Disney characters. This is an experience worthy of our bold vision for Epcot – and another signature element of our transformation.”

Two more exciting new projects were also revealed today:

• Changes are coming to the Epcot main entrance, where the plaza will welcome guests with new pathways, sweeping green spaces and a newly reimagined fountain. This new design will pay homage to the original park entrance with fresh takes on classic elements. As part of this new entry experience, Leave A Legacy photos will move into a beautiful setting just outside the park’s gateway. Additional significant redevelopment will begin between Spaceship Earth and World Showcase Promenade; more details about the transformation of this area will be announced at a later date.

• Guests will be able to visualize the exciting plans for Epcot when doors open later this year on a new Experience Center in the Odyssey Events Pavilion. They will discovere ngaging and interactive exhibits that showcase the relentless innovation, energy and excitement driving the future of the park all throughout this unprecedented period of transformation.

“Epcot is beloved for its focus on imagination, innovation, fun, food and family,” said Kalogridis.“It’s a timeless place where the real is made fantastic through the magic of Disney. It has a very bright future ahead and the best part is that we’ve only just begun to dream.”

These new announcements join other projects already underway as part of the Epcot evolution.Larger-than-life Super Heroes will descend upon the park with the opening of a Guardians of the Galaxy-themed attraction. This new experience will be one of the longest enclosed rollercoasters in the world and feature a brand-new ride system when it also opens in time for the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary.

Other exciting new developments underway at Epcot include:

• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction in the France pavilion, patterned after the number-one family attraction at Disneyland Paris

• “Beauty and the Beast” sing-along in the France pavilion, showing in addition to the pavilion’s current film, Impressions de France

• Circle-Vision 360 film for the China pavilion and updated O Canada! 360-degree show

• Epcot Forever, a 2019 limited-time nighttime experience over World Showcase Lagoon set to classic Epcot tunes, followed by an all-new nighttime spectacular debuting in 2020

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]]>Johnhttp://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?218205-New-Play-Pavilion-Coming-to-Epcot-as-Part-of-Historic-Multi-Year-Transformation!D23 Remembers Dave Smithhttp://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?218182-D23-Remembers-Dave-Smith&goto=newpost
Sat, 16 Feb 2019 16:45:20 GMTD23 has released a statement remembering Dave Smith after his recent passing:
---Quote (Originally by D23)---
Walt Disney Archives founder Dave Smith passed away in Burbank, California, on February 15, 2019. He was 78. Dave dedicated his four-decade career at The Walt Disney Company to...D23 has released a statement remembering Dave Smith after his recent passing:

Quote:

Originally Posted by D23

Walt Disney Archives founder Dave Smith passed away in Burbank, California, on February 15, 2019. He was 78. Dave dedicated his four-decade career at The Walt Disney Company to preserving Disney’s precious treasures from film, television, theme parks, and beyond. Named a Disney Legend in 2007, Dave was beloved by fans around the world for his wide knowledge of the Company’s rich history, which he shared in books and through his popular magazine column “Ask Dave.”

Dave was hired in 1970 by Walt’s brother—and The Walt Disney Company co-founder—Roy O. Disney, and his first responsibility was cataloguing every item inside Walt’s office suite, which had been left untouched after Walt’s passing four years prior. Thanks to Dave’s meticulously detailed notes and records, the Archives was able to restore the suite in 2015, and today Disney employees are able to visit and draw inspiration from this remarkable space. During his time as Disney’s Chief Archivist, Dave grew the Archives from a simple one-person department to a model among corporate archives. He was regarded by fans and historians as the final authority on matters of Disney history, and was an active member of the Society of California Archivists. He served from 1980 to 2001 as Executive Director of the Manuscript Society, an international association of collectors, dealers, librarians, archivists, and others interested in manuscript material.

Born and raised in Pasadena, California, the child of librarians and educators, Dave earned a B.A. in history and a Master’s Degree in Library Science from the University of California at Berkeley. Before coming to Disney, he gained library and archives experience working in the Manuscript Department of the Huntington Library in San Marino, California, interning at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., and serving on the staff of the Research Library at U.C.L.A.

Dave wrote extensively about Disney history, with regular columns in Disney fan publications and websites, as well as authoring, co-authoring, and editing numerous articles and books on Disney history, including the official Disney encyclopedia Disney A to Z, Disney: The First 100 Years, The Quotable Walt Disney, Disney Trivia from the Vault, and The Ultimate Disney Trivia Books 1, 2, 3, and 4.

In October 2007, Dave was honored with the prestigious Disney Legend Award. A resident of Burbank, California, Dave retired in 2010 after his 40th anniversary with The Walt Disney Company and continued working for the next nine years as a consultant for the Company, with the title of Chief Archivist Emeritus.

Attached Images

]]>Figment!http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?218182-D23-Remembers-Dave-SmithWonders of Life to Reopen???http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?218175-Wonders-of-Life-to-Reopen&goto=newpost
Wed, 13 Feb 2019 23:56:43 GMTNo, not as Wonders of Life... That is gone, goodbye, never to return... However, rumor is the pavilion will reopen filled with Disney IP, helping to alleviate the expected crowding in that area when Guardians of the Galaxy opens....No, not as Wonders of Life... That is gone, goodbye, never to return... However, rumor is the pavilion will reopen filled with Disney IP, helping to alleviate the expected crowding in that area when Guardians of the Galaxy opens....
]]>DizneyFreak2002http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?218175-Wonders-of-Life-to-ReopenWalt Disney World Testing Voice Assistant Devices for Resort Hotel Roomshttp://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?218145-Walt-Disney-World-Testing-Voice-Assistant-Devices-for-Resort-Hotel-Rooms&goto=newpost
Fri, 08 Feb 2019 01:06:48 GMTDisney's Yacht and Beach Club resort has recently begun testing Voice Assistant Devices in randomly selected Guest Rooms.

Cast and Guests have reported that the Voice Assistant Device can provide such information as Walt Disney World park hours, entertainment information, and bus schedules; in addition to standard general information such as weather forecasts.

Neither a timeline for test program expansion to other resorts nor a timetable for permanent implementation have been reported.
]]>Figment!http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?218145-Walt-Disney-World-Testing-Voice-Assistant-Devices-for-Resort-Hotel-Roomshttp://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?218128-Tidbits-January-February-2019-Update-2-19-w-Popular-Ride-Refurb-amp-New-Stores&goto=newpost
Sun, 03 Feb 2019 23:51:13 GMT

TidbitsJanuary/February 2019

Echo Foxtrot

2/19/19 Walt Disney World Operations Cast are reporting a rolling refurbishment for one of Disney’s Hollywood Studios signature attractions. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is schedule to operate at a reduced capacity during a partitioned refurbishment of the drop shafts from Spring through Summer 2019. Due to the reduced capacity, the amount of same day and 30 day FastPass+ reservations are planned to be reduced during the affected period.

Springing-Up

2/19/19 New retail offerings are continuing to Spring up around Disney Springs. ‘The Art Corner’ has recently opened in the space formerly occupied by the Little Missmatched. The new Marketplace shop specializes in made-on-demand art work including watercolor, calligraphy and artistic marbling. In Spring 2019, a new 10,000 square foot Ron Jon Surf Shop will open in the Town Center replacing the space formerly occupied by the Disney Corner.
Don’t Be a Soda Jerk

2/3/19 A popular minor diner is set to close for a major refurbishment at the end of Summer 2019. From Early August – December 2019, Beaches and Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club resort will be closed for renovations. As part of the refurbishment, the Lafferty Place Arcade will permanently close and the space is planned to be used to expand the Beaches and Cream seating area. During the refurbishment Disney’s Yacht Club resort will operate a temporary Soda Shop serving a smaller menu of Beaches and Cream’s famous sundaes. The abridged menu will reportedly not include the Kitchen Sink. No further details on the temporary location were announced.

Shopping Shake-Up

2/3/19 Sunset Blvd. at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has had some significant shop switches in recent years. After the total replacement of its two corner stores, change is making its way further down the boulevard. The Planet Hollywood Super Store closed on February 2, 2019. The next door Legends of Hollywood is reportedly planned to expand into the former location.

A Surprise Snack

2/3/19 Marketplace Snacks at Disney Springs has recently surprised Guests with a classic Disney snack. The Marketplace dining location can now be added to the short (but growing) list of Walt Disney World locations serving the Dole Whip. Initial reports are that only the classic Pineapple flavor is currently being served in regular and float versions.

Meal on the Move

2/3/19 Guests purchasing tickets for Early Morning Magic for Toy Story Land will find their breakfast in a new location beginning this week. Effective February 6, 2019; the breakfast portion of the hard ticket event will be held at the Backlot Express.

Popping Up

2/3/19 If you think Mickey’s 90th Birthday celebration is everywhere in the Magic Kingdom. You may be surprised to hear it has popped up in another new place—in the popcorn. The park has recently added a new Birthday Cake flavor to its line of Main Street Popcorn Company pre-packaged popcorn. The new flavor is popcorn with a colorful ‘birthday cake’ flavored coating. The new (and probably limited) flavor is priced at $5.99.

Making Grapefruits out of Lemons

2/3/19Originally announced as the Lemon garage, the third parking structure for Disney Springs has encountered some delays in opening. In addition to the ‘Grapefruit' name change, the opening date has been postponed till Spring 2019.

8/12/18 More details are becoming concrete for the third parking garage at Disney Springs. The Lemon Garage’s pedestrian bridge has recently been raised and appears it will connect Guests near the Basin store as its point of entry to Disney Springs. The Lemon Garage is currently schedule to open in Early 2019.

4/2/17 New stores and dining spots aren’t the only things still springing up at Disney Springs; there’s still more infrastructure work to come. Construction has begun for the Third Parking Garage for the shopping, dining, and entertainment area. The Walt Disney World Casting parking lot closed on April 1st as part of the project commencement. The third garage will be connected via a pedestrian bridge across Buena Vista Drive. The new garage will reportedly be mixed use for both Guests and Cast Members.A Crabby Operation

2/3/19 Only several months after opening, Sebastian's Bistro at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort has modified its operating schedule. In Late January, the Caribbean themed table service location ceased its Lunch Service. The restaurant now operates 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm daily.

Take a Closer Look

2/3/19 As part of the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Arts, Walt Disney Imagineering has been busy hiding some works of Disney Animation art around World Showcase. During the festival, look for Disney Characters painted onto the walls of various buildings in the World Showcase pavilions. Based on recent Guest reports, the hidden works of art are can currently be discovered in the China, France, Germany, Italy, Morocco, United Kingdom, and American Adventure pavilions.

Wide World of Concessions

2/3/19 The concessions stands at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex continue to get a major upgrade. The Arena has opened two Concession Stands featuring fan favorite eats from Floridaian gastronomy all-stars 4 Rivers, The COOP and 4R Cantina Barbacoa.
]]>Figment!http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?218128-Tidbits-January-February-2019-Update-2-19-w-Popular-Ride-Refurb-amp-New-Storeshttp://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?218119-Imagineering-Reveals-Some-of-the-New-Technology-for-Mickey-amp-Minnie-s-Runaway-Railway&goto=newpost
Sat, 02 Feb 2019 18:52:38 GMTWalt Disney Imagineering and Panasonic have revealed their technology partnership that will bring Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway to life:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Panasonic Corporation of North America Press Relase

LAS VEGAS -- Panasonic is proud to announce its latest collaboration with Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products. Panasonic projectors and other breakthrough technology are being used to help transform a two-dimensional cartoon into an amazing real-world experience for the upcoming Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The attraction opens to the public in Fall 2019.

In 2016, Panasonic and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts announced that Panasonic Projection Imaging Systems would be the "Official Projection Technology" of Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. and the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. As part of this long-term agreement, Disney Parks have access to the latest in Panasonic's market-leading projectors with advanced image processing and lens solutions.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to once again provide Panasonic's cutting-edge projection technology for a new Disney Parks attraction, especially for the first-ever ride-through Mickey Mouse attraction," said Ron Martin, director, Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory, a unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America. "Panasonic is proud to help Disney Parks immerse their guests in the animated world of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in a way that has never been done before."

Newark, NJ-based Panasonic Corporation of North America is a leading technology partner and integrator to businesses, government agencies and consumers across the region. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation and leverages its strengths in Immersive Entertainment, Sustainable Energy, Integrated Supply Chains and Mobility Solutions to enable its business-to-business customers. Panasonic was highlighted in Forbes Magazine's Global 2000 ranking as one of the Top Ten Best Regarded Companies for 2017. The ranking is based on outstanding scores for trustworthiness, honesty with the public and superior performance of products and solutions. Learn more about Panasonic's ideas and innovations at Panasonic.com.

About Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products

Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) that brings the magic of Disney's stories, characters and franchises into the daily lives of families and fans around the world to create memories that last a lifetime. The company's iconic travel and leisure businesses include six resort destinations in the United States, Europe, and Asia; a top-rated cruise line; a luxurious family beach resort in Hawaii; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney's global consumer products operations include the world's leading licensing business; the world's largest children's print publisher; Disney Store locations around the world; and the shop Disney e-commerce platform. These experiences are created by Walt Disney Imagineering, the innovative force responsible for overseeing the segment's world-class products and experiences — from immersive lands to interactive toys, and everything in between.

The current show at Disneyland park is inspired by a similar show from Disneyland Paris.
]]>Figment!http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?218116-Take-a-Look-Behind-the-Scenes-at-Mickey-s-Mix-MagicToy Story Land or even Pixar Land?http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?218102-Toy-Story-Land-or-even-Pixar-Land&goto=newpost
Thu, 31 Jan 2019 22:32:55 GMTAre either due to make an appearance in WDW?Are either due to make an appearance in WDW?
]]>Simba Cubhttp://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?218102-Toy-Story-Land-or-even-Pixar-Landhttp://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?218091-Testing-and-Updates-on-Walt-Disney-World-s-Skyliner-System&goto=newpost
Tue, 29 Jan 2019 00:53:34 GMT2/11/19

Walt Disney Imagineering has given a first look at how the Skyliner will impact the sightlines as you approach Disney's Hollywood Studios.

It appears to be particularly impactful from the path to the Boardwalk and likely the new bust stops.

1/28/19

The Walt Disney World Resort has released a new video showing the testing of the new transportation system:

At Storybook Treats in Fantasyland, guests will find a familiar concoction, themed to our returning villain – lime soft-serve in a black waffle cone, topped with purple sugar and chocolate horns. One of the most beloved sweet sensations from Halloween season, the “Maleficent” cone will make its debut today – but beware, it’s only available for a limited time (while supplies last)

Merchandise

Guests of Disney Parks also can find that perfect Maleficent-themed souvenir to celebrate her return. From T-shirts to earrings, jewelry and even Maleficent socks, guests can deck themselves out in Maleficent Couture from head to toe – available at “Sir Mickey’s” and “The Emporium” at Magic Kingdom.

Disney Ears, featuring her iconic horns, can be found at millinery shops like “Le Chapeau” at Magic Kingdom and “Celebrity 5 and 10” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests can also take home pins, ornaments and other mementos from their favorite villainess.

Disney Springs also offers a veritable feast for the shopper with guests finding couture with “Disney Style” offering an array of souvenirs; ornaments at Disney’s Days of Christmas shop and pins at Disney’s pin traders. And, of course, ShopDisney.com is another great place to find items featuring favorite characters.

Beauty Rest Has Never Looked So Good!

Rumor has it that everyone’s favorite villain, Maleficent, is returning to Magic Kingdom Park today to re-take her rightful place in a certain festival… and it looks like she’s had some work done… although she would probably never admit it!

January 25, 2019) LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – In a signature style befitting one of the most iconic Disney villains, Maleficent makes her triumphant return to Disney’s Festival of Fantasy parade today at the Magic Kingdom. And the big rumor is that she’s had some work done – although she would never admit it.

Still sporting her classic Steampunk style, Maleficent returns in full dragon form, complete with enhanced safety features to keep her in check.

Also making their return to the parade are Prince Phillip; the Fairies Flora, Fauna and Merryweather; and the mischievous “Ravens” who fly around Maleficent just waiting to do her bidding.

Maleficent brings all of her villainy back to the Disney’s Festival of Fantasy parade – just one part of the daily spectacular where enchanting stories and characters from Fantasyland come to life for Magic Kingdom guests.

The fanciful tribute to Fantasyland highlights several new and classic Disney and Pixar stories on a grand scale. There’s nearly 100 performers – on stilts, swings and flying rigs – donning vibrant costumes in this lively mini-Broadway cavalcade soaring to new heights on Main Street, U.S.A.

The parade features beloved characters from favorite Disney stories – both newer treasures like “Tangled” and “Frozen” to classics like “Peter Pan” “Cinderella” and – of course – Maleficent’s story “Sleeping Beauty.”

Disney Festival of Fantasy parade is part of a new generation of parades for Disney Parks featuring never-before-used technology on eye-popping floats adorned with Disney characters from more than a dozen fairytales. Set to an all-new musical score, the dazzling parade floats soar up to three stories tall with spirited performers donning dramatic costumes crafted at ten different design houses across the country.